Senate Inquiry findings show urgent need for budget action on housing

Housing Policy Peak National Shelter has pointed to the findings of the Senate Economics Committee Inquiry into Housing Affordability as clear evidence of the need for urgent budget action.

The Inquiry found that far too many Australian households live in housing stress, struggle to find adequate accommodation, pay too much and face homelessness as a consequence.

“The Government must respond to the Senate Inquiry by boosting social housing investment, signalling tax reform and reinvigorating the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS),” National Shelter Executive Officer Adrian Pisarski said.

The Inquiry found there is poor coordination of responsibilities between levels of government requiring the establishment of a National Housing Minister and Ministerial Council which can bring the range of expertise required to solve Australia’s affordable housing crisis.

“People impacted by the housing crisis are sick of the piecemeal approach and buck passing,” Mr Pisarski said. “The Senate Inquiry has delivered a thought provoking report which supports our call for the National Government to look at the whole housing system not just welfare housing.”

“The affordable housing crisis as demonstrated in this report, last week’s Anglicare snapshot and all available evidence, is beyond welfare and hits middle Australia hard and needs the federal Government to lead a national housing policy response.”

"This should involve industry, all levels of government and the not for profit sector in a combined response to ensure Australia is well housed.”

“The report points to the benefits to all of addressing this deteriorating problem and the need for coordinated action in response.”

“Tax reform, the National Affordable Housing Agreement, the National Rental Affordability Scheme have all been neglected by the Government, this report calls for their centrality to solving an underlying problem in our society which also impacts our productivity and fairness.”